Eustoma originally comes from the US, later then in the 80s of the 20th century it started to be grown in the Netherlands, from where it is now imported to the Czech Republic. It is known mainly as a cut flower for vase arrangements. Having a highly sophisticated look, it is one of the noble flower ladies. Its leaves are grey-green in colour and smell of pea pods. Unlike the Rose, however, Eustoma has a very fragile stem, and has no thorns. Flower stalks are composed of several blossoms in various stages of flowering so we are able to see fully opened flowers as well as small buds, which multiply the soft and romantic feeling. Therefore Eustoma is often used for wedding bouquets and various delicate decorations. Its appearance also recalls wildflowers.
The most common colour options are white, pink and purple and its lighter or darker shades. We can also find a combined type, when the flowers are white with purple edges. Seasonal options can be green or red, or even artificially coloured options. Most colour variations are available from late March to late September, so we its place is among the summer flowers. Eustoma however as a cut flower is availabe all year round.
Except being used for hand tied bouquets, it is also grown as a potted plant, which in our conditions can last for one season. It is specially bred so it doesn’t grow very tall. It needs a bright location but not direct sun. It is very sensitive to drying or overwatering, so you need to take a proper care so that the substrate is constantly moist, but not wet.
And for what star sign is Eustoma most suited flower? What about the sincere and dreamy Pisces? Why? Because Pisces are known to have a great imagination and find their peace of mind in nature. And thus the Eustoma can inspire them in a romantic dreaming about summery blooming meadows.. :)
So now you can step into any flower shop or a flower market, and point to "the flower that looks like a Rose," and ask directly for Eustoma.. Points for you!
Our eshop offers several bouquet options, some only seasonal. The following are available all year round:
]]>Aromatic lilies are mainly royal lilies (oriental lilies), florists call them SGs. They are characterized by large flowers with a diameter of 8-9 cm, the petals of which have slightly ruffled edges.
]]>Aromatic Lilies are mainly Royal Lilies (oriental lilies), florists call them SGs. They are characterized by large flowers with a diameter of 8-9 cm, the petals of which have slightly ruffled edges. You can smell their intense and penetrating scent as soon as the flowers open, and it is so strong that we do not recommend keeping them in a small room. With the right "dosage", they can also have therapeutic effects, relieve stress, and even just looking at them can be a pleasure.
Royal Lilies are available in white, pink, purple, or shades and combinations of these colors. Some species may even have a full-flowered appearance. The leaves of the royal lily are oblong and 3-4 cm wide.
Another type of Aromatic Lily, the scent of which is much more subtle, are the "long" lilies. They have smaller, slender, tubular flowers. They have fewer flowers per stem than Oriental Lilies.
Asiatic Lilies are non-aromatic. You can also recognize them by the slender leaves that grow very close to each other. Even the flowers of these lilies are smaller. They are available in many colors, white, yellow, pink, orange or red.
With all lilies, you will see pistils after the flower opens. Over time, sawdust is released from them and can easily stain any surface, tablecloth or clothing. That is why we highly recommend removing the pistils as soon as possible after the natural opening of the flower.
Lilies are suitable for more important occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays, but are also very often used in funeral floristry.
So...are you clear about the lilies yet? Orange colour will definitely not be scented, for white or pink, look at the size of the flower or leaves and you will know right away. Good luck with guessing and your selection!
Katarina
]]>Advent should be a time of peace and quiet, time to enjoy preparations for the holidays. Just like in the past also nowadays no dance parties, feasts or weddings should be held. Christmas parties seem to be an exception in the modern world. :)
CANDLES
Some say the lighting of candles on wreaths is based on the Jewish tradition of lighting eight candles on the holiday called Hanukkah. The original color of the candles on the Catholic advent wreath was strict, three purple and one pink. The purple color symbolizes repentance, contemplation and awaiting. Now, as we are influenced by many new trends, we no longer insist on this color of candles or other components, and we decorate our wreaths in colors that are more in harmony with the home interior or with the Christmas tree. From my experience, red or frosty white are favourites. Whas is yours?
The first Sunday of Advent is the time when the first of the four candles is lit - the candle of the prophets, which symbolizes HOPE. The candles are then to be lit counter-clockwise, counting down the weeks remaining until Christmas. The next, Bethlehem candle symbolizes LOVE, the third, shepherd's JOY and the fourth, angelic, means PEACE. This fourth can be lit on Christmas Eve, as it will be this year.
Festive time is wonderful, enjoy it as much as you can. It is a very busy period for us florists, we have glitters and sparkles literally where no one would expect them :) But back to the topic...fingers crossed you will be able to find a beautiful advent wreath for your home or even manage to make one yourself.
Wishing you a wonderful advent.
Katka
]]>The reason is simple. Because we believe that with sufficient after care, cut flowers can last longer. Provided, that you buy them fresh, and in our shop you do. :) If you buy them elsewhere, and they are not fresh, even that miracle bag won´t save their lives.
So, how to do it? Each cut flower has a limited “shelf” life, some shorter, some longer. The best known and most sold flowers that wither in often overheated environment, are gerberas, in some cases also roses. In the medium life-time category we can find carnations, chrysanthemums and lilies, these last, or should last a little longer. Flowers that last the longest are exotic flowers, such as cymbidiums or anthuriums.
So if you buy flowers for various occasions, you usually have a mix bouquet of flowers. And that's good, because we can assume that the bouquet will "fade progressively." How then can we positively influence the durability of bouquets?
In the first place, if the flowers are without water for more than a quarter of an hour, the stalks begin to close and will be unable to absorb water as well as when fresh. Therefore, it is always necessary before placing the flowers in a vase to cut the stems at least 1 cm, diagonal cut would be the best. For cutting we can use pruning scissors or a sharp kitchen knife. Always use a clean vase, because any dirt can cause increased bacteria and turbidity of the water. Always clean stalks from the leaves, so they can´t fall into the water. No need to put too much water in, but make sure shorter stems are covered. Just beware that fresh flowers do tend to drink water a lot more than after few days, so check if water levels are high enough.
If it is within your abilities (time wise, will wise), do change water at least every other day and clean the vase from possible residues, cut the stems a bit every so that they absorb fresh water better. Rotten and soft stems can hardly drink fresh water. If you want to save ourself the hassle or don’t have enough time to to this as often, you can add a drop of Savo, but really just a tiny drop. It prevents the formation of unwanted bacteria.
Now a special advise for the rose lovers. Because roses have wooden stems, after some time it is much harder for water to get to their blooms. Don´t despair, you can cut them gradually to even a size of a glass, and their blooms will refresh. Try it!
Last but not least, do not locate flowers near a blazing radiator or in a direct sunlight, where they are subjected to more heat. It is essential to realize that flowers in a colder environment more than in a warm one.
So, our dear customers, now you that know how to do it, may your cut flowers beautify your interior as long as possible.
]]>I would like to thank everyone who perhaps flowers from us, as your orders came virtually from all over the world. For someone in Prague. You were all part of our flower story and MY FLORIST was part of yours.
]]>When the first wave of the pandemic arrived, I was terribly afraid we wouldn't make it. With the restrictions came the cancellation of regular orders for receptions of companies, hotels, events and weddings. At that time we already had a working e-shop. And it gave everything a new dimension.
I would therefore like to deeply thank everyone who ordered flowers from us, these orders came virtually from all over the world. For someone close in Prague. You were all part of our flower story and MY FLORIST was part of yours. I experienced a bit of that happy or special moment with each of you, and when you could not be personally with your love, family member, friend or a colleague, you entrusted this task to us. We did our best to fulfill your wishes to the maximum, with passion for flowers, and many times it was a great adventure!
Each time a new order landed, I clicked with bated breath at the address where it came from...places like London, New York or Paris, including Prague, of course. But some places really surprised me, and speachless I began to understand the power of the Internet. Many of you are returning, even several times, and even gave us great reviews. This makes it all worthwile.
Come and have a look into our order location history, and search for your own. And if you can´t find it, send me a complaint! :)
Australia - Manly, Surfers Paradise, Sydney
Austria - Ramsau am Dachstein, Vienna
Belgium - Brussels, Gembloux, Ottignies, Sint-Truiden
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Sarajevo
Brazil - Sao Paolo
Bulgaria - Petric
Canada - Burlington, Calgary, London, Roberts Creek, Sedalia, Vancouver
Czech Republic - Brno, Hostivice, Kunice, Kyjov, Liberec, Most, Olomouc, Pilsen, Prague, Pruhonice, Pribram, Stara Hut, Uherske Hradiste, Velka Polom
Denmark - Copenhagen
Estonia - Tartu
France - Antony, Avignon, La Courneuve, Paris, Troyes
Germany - Berlin, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Gersthofen, Göttingen, Munich, Rosenheim
Hawaii - Waimea
Hong Kong
Hungary – Budapest
Israel - Gezer, Haifa, Hod Hasharon
Italy - Bergamo
JAR - Johannesburg
Kazakhstan - Almaty, Karaganda, Nur-Sultan
Malaysia - Shah Alam
Malta - Qala
Mauritius - Grand Baie
Mexico - General Escobedo, Guadalajara, Metepec, Naucalpan
Montenegro – Podgorica
New Zealand - Christchurch, Whangarei
Norway - Sarpsborg
Poland - Gdansk
Portugal - Lisbon
Qatar - Doha
Republic of Ireland - Cork, Dublin
Russia - Moscow
Serbia - Belgrade
Singapore
Slovakia - Bardejov, Bratislava, Kosice, Mala Ida
Spain - Barcelona, Malaga, Marbella
Sweden - Malmö, Mariestad
Switzerland - Herrliberg, Wetzikon, Zürich
Thailand – Bangkok
The Netherlands - Amsterdam, Berlicum, Rijnsburg, Utrecht, Voorschoten, Wageningen
Ukraine - Kiev, Odessa, Zalevki
United Arab Emirates - Ajman, Dubai
United Kingdom - Burnham-on-Sea, Canterbury, Claverham, Hassocks, Chelmsford, Leicester, London, Milton Keynes, Newbury, Oxford, Portsmouth, Prestbury, Rochdale, Rochester, Romney Marsh, Staines-upon-Thames, Staveley, Taunton, Walton-on-Thames, Walsall, Wallington, West Byfleet, Woodbrige
USA - Beverly Hills CA, Bow WA, Bronxville NY, Broomfield CO, Corona CA, Falls Church VA, Fort Lauderdale FL, Harrison NJ, Highland Park IL, Houston TX, Lake Forest CA, Leawood KS, Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, New York NY, North Las Vegas NV, Orlando FL, Overland Park KS, Ridgewood NJ, San Francisco CA, Seattle WA, Stafford TX, Stamford CT, Sunnyvale CA, Timnath CO, Winston-Salem NC
Vietnam - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh
I wish you all for the upcoming year 2021 not only a lot of much-needed health, negative tests and positive mind, but may you find a way in fulfilling your dreams. Maybe those which will be somehow beneficial also to your surroundings, will make life easier or bring a smile on someone´s face.
As a wise head once said: "Love what you do and you will never have to work for the rest of your life." Your life will never be the same, believe me, because one dream is already coming true. Beware, this road is not an easy one! I might tell you this story next time...from airplanes to flowers... :)
PF 2021
Katka
]]>Valentine's Day is to be a celebration of love. Special day of people in love. Does that mean that we cannot celebrate another day? Oh yes, we can, and we certainly should. If we are in love and have someone very dear in our heart, we should show it constantly, at least that´s what they say in wise guide books! And it does not mean, we should be buying flowers and gifts all the time, and make big gestures. There are plenty other ways to do it. We know.
If you agree with me, you probably think about why love should be celebrated on that day, a very specific day of the year, which is also marked in the calendar. 14th February. I wouldn´t at it as a "must". I would perceive it as a game. And let's be honest, we all love games, don’t we? It is a crazy, exciting, passionate, pleasant and joyful activity. Of course, it's up to us to choose the game which is fun. So just imagine the one you like best. Playing a perfect couple? :)
Being in love is a blessing. Without love, life would be completely different. As if it lacked one whole dimension. Who has experienced and understands this is very lucky. And that's why maybe we should not see Valentine's Day as a commercial day. As many people do. Let's recall, for example, Christmas. They're also commercial, but we celebrate them in our own way. On that particular day.
So let yourself be carried away by the game of love. Drop the poses that nobody will dictate when you have to get flowers for your dearest. No, nobody will. Okay, then do it on the 13th! :) And it can be just one rose, why not? Important thing is that she´s not disappointed when she does not get flowers at all. You do not want to see that unhappy face at night, right?
So don´t - it's this Thursday - 14 February. I wish you a flowerful & loving Valentine's Day. 💕
]]>What caught my attention this time and inspired me to write this article is the fact that I came across carnation and some of its interesting colour variants. Actually, I've been thinking about writing an article about it for quite some time, so this experience finally pushed me in this direction. Well, also some customers, who can´t stand them and when we say THAT word "CARNATION", their reaction is something like: Whaat?..you can´t be serious! :) Carnation, which was a typical flower of socialism, appeared most probably in all households. Woman´s Day, birthday, name day, the end of school year, graduation or other celebration, you name it, it was there! They were simply everywhere! You were receiving them yourself, it was your mum or grandma, or you've heard some funny stories. They were usually available in red, possibly in white, or in some mixed-colours variant. Accompanied by the necessary asparagus. So the avarsion is completely understandable.
Since then, quite a few years have passed and, somehow, a certain progress has been made. Thanks to busy plant growers, we can now enjoy many other new colourful and sometimes unexpected designs. What I got this time, you can see on the photos.
Fortunately it seems, we are beginning to like them again, and there may be several reasons. First of all, they are available all year round and we have a choice of many colour variants and types. Many of you will be pleased that they last for a long time, with proper care even three weeks. (Read about how to care for cut flowers in another blog post.) They are beautiful in a bouquet alone, or while complementing other flowers in a stylish bouquet, even the wedding one.
In relation to carnations we are now quite looking forward to Women´s Day. And do you know why? Because it is utmost interesting to watch all those excited customers who buy a retro bouquet of red carnations from us with a comment that it will be a great fun at home or in the office...
So if you still hesitate, try to forgive them their past, throw away the prejudice and give them a second chance. Because what happened is really not their fault... :)
]]>
But let´s go back to the flower auction. It is located in the town of Aalsmeer, about 15km from Amsterdam. An area of 518,000 square meters would cover about five football fields, and is therefore the largest flower auction in the world. Every day there are normally sold about 20 million flowers, and not only Dutch, but also from other countries in Europe, Africa and America. Countries like Ecuador, Kenya, Colombia and Ethiopia are among the largest suppliers of cut flowers. Exceptional days are then Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, when sales will increase by about 15%. And prices reach their top high as well.
On the stock market, it looks like in the school auditorium, buyers or their agents are sitting behind the desks, in front of them a computer, but instead of blackboard hanging on the front there are two large clocks that show the product information (type, colour, supplier, quality, price). Shopping is done electronically, quietly, so agents don’t shout at each other as on Wall Street. The Dutch system of the auction means that the starting price is not the lowest, as other auctions, where buyers are bidding and price increases. Exactly the opposite. The price is exaggerated and then falling down. Shoppers then have only a few seconds to decide whether the goods are bought and at what price, because then they may find that someone else buys goods and you are left with nothing. It is clear to everyone that it is best to buy quality goods at a reasonable price, and not to pay more than necessary. This auction isn’t open to the public, but visitors can take a peek through a glass wall.
All the flowers intended for sale on the stock market are imported from growers the evening before they are delivered to the auction next morning. There are treated and stored overnight. Since morning they are moved in containers along the hall as required. Staff moves across the hall on electric pallet trucks here and there, you are watching this seeming chaos with speechless amazement, but it is a precise logistic operation, because they move just purchased flowers to individual customer stations. The moment the customer finalises his purchase, all goods are prepared for transportation (sorted out, packaged and shipped) either via ground transport (air-conditioned vehicles) within Europe or via aircraft. Auction, with its convenient location near Schiphol Airport, guarantees that all flowers get very quickly into aircraft heading to customers. These customers are typically wholesalers in individual cities, which then supply flowers to the shops like us.
So, dear friends, this is how your favourite flowers get to our shop. It's nothing really challenging, isn´t it? It is like virtually everything well mastered.
]]>For its beautiful structure and variability in various potted decorations or bouquets we very much like heather called Calluna vulgaris. This heather is a typical autumn small wooden bush, because it blooms during late summer and autumn. It occurs as a low shrub, particularly in Europe and Asia, where we they can be found as extensive peat bogs and moors. Heather has a five-thick bell flower that can reach a height of up to about 50 cm.
Calluna is available in shades of white and pink, such as fuchsia or purple. If you buy it somewhere in a different colour, such as orange, yellow or red, this are definitely artificially dyed types and beware, that next season they will certainly not bloom in the same colour, if they even survive the winter. However, under present "sustainability" awareness and with respect to nature, we recommend natural shades and not the artificially coloured.
Those of you who have already sometimes bought calluna, might know, that under certain conditions it is able to survive even strong and freezing winters. It is very much because of its origins. If you have it outside in a pot, it is highly recommended to wrap the container in something that would isolate the plant from the cold air, such as bubble wrap, polystyrene or jute. They do not mind small frosts. Place them into a half shade location. It is very important not to forget about watering, because although calluna can survive the winter, it often happens that the lack of watering makes it dry out and we can mistakenly think it froze. But beware not to overwater, just imagine a moorland where calluna has ideal conditions and act accordingly. Peat bogs is neither a desert nor a swamp.
Very similar in appearance to Calluna is heather called Erica cinerea, however, it differs not only in type of flower but also in foliage and blooming time. It originates in South Africa and this is the reason that in our frosty winters it doesn’t usually survive. It likes sunny habitat, it blooms during spring and optimal temperature is above 10 C. So beware that during our winters, especially the strong frosts during January-February are an absolute disaster for them. Erica is naturally available in white, pink, red and burgundy colour.
Calluna as well as Erica is recommended to be cleaned of twigs and old withered flowers after flowering, as that will support its further flowering and it will grow better and wider.
So, if you are thinking about a long-term investment and you will prefer if your potted plant grows more and more each year maybe in your garden, choose calluna. If you do not mind that to be in a same situation next year solving which plant to choose again, opt for Erica. Or, an ideal option is to try both. And if you want to be the trendy this autumn, then do select fuchsia flower colour and add accessories in orange, or vice versa. Then this season you will be 100% in.
]]>Geraniums and petunias are the most popular types of balcony plants, that is why we will pay attention to these local runners. Why is it then that they bloom so beautifully? Well, it´s not because the neighbour pours the rest of her cold coffee into the pot. Nor that her husband smokes secretly on the balcony tipping his cigarette into the soil. So, why then?
Geraniums are one of those outdoor classics which have been popular for years. They are stunning holders, preferring a sunny position, resisting strong winds and rain. Surfinias are coming closely second. They also love a sunny position, but they are much more delicate and fragile, which makes them less resistant to wind. Ideally they should be protected by a roof when a heavy rain comes.
Generally, the secret of everything lies in high quality seed and regular watering. It is important to plant the product as soon as you buy it in the store, because you have no idea know how long it has been there already. However, even though the plant in the store seems to be looking like it´s on its last journey, it doesn’t mean that it really is. What it needs is urgent planting in the outside pot, with a special substrate for balcony plants. This gives it all the nutrients. Then give it a bit of time to get used to the new environment to stabilize and grow roots, to feel welcome. After planting you do not fertilize the plant, leave it for at least three weeks, otherwise you do more harm. Then you can use a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium once a week or as per directions.
If you decide to invest in self-watering pots, you are half-way there, it will save you time and hassle. Classic pots are a bit more hard work, especially on hot days it is extremely important to water even twice a day, morning and evening. No need to water during hot peak of the day, use that time and splash yourself in the pool instead. We also suggest not waiting until your plants start turning yellow, dropping leaves and flowers, that´s too late. The substrate should be constantly moist, so even on hot days your plants feel pampered. Basically, prevention is much better than corrective action. It´s similar with people, if you feel thirsty, you're already dehydrated. The best water to use is the one you left to rest for a while, ideally at a temperature in which the plant is itself, so you can simply leave the watering bottle on the balcony. During colder days, since we have those in summer too, you just adapt to current conditions. After stormy weather, remove excess water, so the plants do not rotten.
Good idea is also to remove dead blooms to make room for new ones, removing flowers helps more flowering. Geraniums and surfinias can be attacked by aphids, in this case, use a special solution on green leaves and stems only. If your plants do not bloom and grow only, cut them by about 2/3 and fertilise. They will wake up and flourish.
Finally, when leaving for a vacation, find a reliable person who will take care of your plants. Only then you can enjoy their beauty when you return, and that glass of wine will taste much better. Perhaps, ask that neighbour.
But only if she is not a competitive type, you don´t want her to give your blooms a deadly cocktail.
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